Phil Mickelson nearly breaks 60 at Phoenix Open

By The Associated Press

Thursday, January 31, 2013

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Phil Mickelson missed out on a 59 by a fraction of an inch Thursday in the Phoenix Open.

Mickelson had a chance to become only the sixth player in PGA Tour history to break 60 with a 25-foot birdie attempt on his last hole, the par-4 ninth at the TPC Scottsdale. The putt looked good all the way, and Mickelson pointed his putter at the cup as he prepared to celebrate.

Right at the end, though, the ball caught the right edge of the cup, curled 180 degrees to the other side of the hole and stayed out.

His caddie, Jim Mackay, fell to his knees and stayed there several seconds.

Mickelson had to settle for the course record, which he previously set in the Phoenix Open eight years ago.